Mobile terminal

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed a mobile terminal including a housing comprising a first metal case, a second metal case and a first non-conductive case arranged between the first metal case and the second metal case, a battery embedded in the housing, a first coil arranged in an area covered by the first metal case inside the housing, a main board comprising a charging module implemented to recharge the battery using electric currents which flow in the first coil, and a first resonator arranged in an area covered by the first non-conductive case and comprising a first matching circuit corresponding to a first frequency, such that the examples of the mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure may enhance performance of the wireless communication unit and wireless charging performance, without design change of the housing having the metal case.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(a), this application claims the benefit ofearlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Patent ApplicationNo. 10-2016-0025937 filed on Mar. 3, 2016, the entire contents of whichare hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Field of the Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mobile terminal havingan improved function in wireless communication.

Background of the Disclosure

Terminals may be generally classified as mobile/portable terminals orstationary terminals according to their mobility. Mobile terminals mayalso be classified as handheld terminals or vehicle mounted terminalsaccording to whether or not a user can directly carry the terminal.

Mobile terminals have become increasingly more functional. Examples ofsuch functions include data and voice communications, capturing imagesand video via a camera, recording audio, playing music files via aspeaker system, and displaying images and video on a display. Somemobile terminals include additional functionality which supports gameplaying, while other terminals are configured as multimedia players.More recently, mobile terminals have been configured to receivebroadcast and multicast signals which permit viewing of content such asvideos and television programs.

As such functions become more diversified, the mobile terminal cansupport more complicated functions such as capturing images or video,reproducing music or video files, playing games, receiving broadcastsignals, and the like. By comprehensively and collectively implementingsuch functions, the mobile terminal may be embodied in the form of amultimedia player or device.

By extension, such functions may become more improved as the mobileterminal is able to transmit and receive information, using wirelesscommunication with an external device. For example, the mobile terminalmay be configured to implement specific functions such as datatransmission with other terminals. In addition, the mobile terminalworks as a mobile payment system. As the functions become morediversified and improved, battery use increases and there are more needsfor a wireless charging manner which allows charging only when themobile terminal is located near a charger even without auxiliary cables.

A simple design is preferred in relation with an exterior appearance ofthe mobile terminal and metal materials are highly favored. In case ofusing such a metallic material, there is an issue of quality degradationof internal components, especially, components related to wirelesscommunication or wireless charging.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to address theabove-noted and other problems.

An object of the present disclosure is to a mobile terminal having animproved function in wireless communication.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a mobile terminalincluding: a housing comprising a first metal case, a second metal caseand a first non-conductive case arranged between the first metal caseand the second metal case; a battery embedded in the housing; a firstcoil arranged in an area covered by the first metal case inside thehousing; a main board comprising a charging module implemented torecharge the battery using electric currents which flow in the firstcoil; and a first resonator arranged in an area covered by the firstnon-conductive case and comprising a first matching circuitcorresponding to a first frequency.

A slit may be formed by spacing the first metal case a preset distancefrom the second metal case, and the first non-conductive case may beprovided in the slit, and the first resonator may be extended along theslit.

Both ends of the first resonator may be connected to the first metalcase.

The main board may be electrically insulated from the first metal case.

The main board may include a ground electrically connected to the firstmetal case, and at least one end of the first resonator may be connectedto the main board.

The mobile terminal may further include a second coil arranged in thehousing and configured to implement short range wireless communication,using a signal having a second frequency.

The mobile terminal may further include a second resonator arranged inan area covered by the first non-conductive case and comprising a secondmatching circuit corresponding to the second frequency.

The first resonator may further include a third matching circuitcorresponding to the second frequency; wherein a controller controls theswitch to connect the first resonator to the first matching circuit whenrecharging the battery and to connect the first resonator to the thirdmatching circuit when implementing short range wireless communication.

The second resonator may further include a fourth matching circuitcorresponding to the first frequency, and the controller may control thesecond resonator to be connected to the second matching circuit whenimplementing the short range wireless communication and to be connectedto the fourth matching circuit when recharging the battery.

The second resonator may further include a switch selectively connectedto the first metal case or the second metal case, and the controller maycontrol the second resonator to be connected to the first metal casewhen implementing the short range wireless communication and to beconnected to the second resonator when recharging the battery.

The second coil may be arranged in a position corresponding to thesecond metal case.

The second metal case may be arranged in a predetermined area of thefirst metal case, and the first coil and the second coil may be embeddedin the position corresponding to the first metal case, and the mobileterminal may further include a third metal case provided in the otherarea of the first metal case; a second non-conductive case providedbetween the first metal case and the third metal case; and a secondresonator arranged in a position corresponding to the secondnon-conductive case.

The matching circuit may include one or more capacitors.

According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the examples ofthe mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure mayenhance performance of the wireless communication unit and wirelesscharging performance, without design change of the housing having themetal case.

Further scope of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, itshould be understood that the detailed description and specificexamples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, aregiven by illustration only, since various changes and modificationswithin the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings,which are given by illustration only, and thus are not limitative of thepresent invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions;

FIG. 2 is a diagram to describe electromagnetic resonance schemewireless charging applied to one example of the mobile terminal inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram of coil in accordance with the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective diagram of both ends of the coil inaccordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagram to describe a wireless charging function inaccordance with the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 6 to 9 are conceptual diagrams illustrating various examples of acoil and a resonator in accordance with the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Description will now be given in detail according to exemplaryembodiments disclosed herein, with reference to the accompanyingdrawings. For the sake of brief description with reference to thedrawings, the same or equivalent components may be provided with thesame reference numbers, and description thereof will not be repeated. Ingeneral, a suffix such as “module” and “unit” may be used to refer toelements or components. Use of such a suffix herein is merely intendedto facilitate description of the specification, and the suffix itself isnot intended to give any special meaning or function. In the presentdisclosure, that which is well-known to one of ordinary skill in therelevant art has generally been omitted for the sake of brevity. Theaccompanying drawings are used to help easily understand varioustechnical features and it should be understood that the embodimentspresented herein are not limited by the accompanying drawings. As such,the present disclosure should be construed to extend to any alterations,equivalents and substitutes in addition to those which are particularlyset out in the accompanying drawings.

It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may beused herein to describe various elements, these elements should not belimited by these terms. These terms are generally only used todistinguish one element from another.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected with” another element, the element can be directly connectedwith the other element or intervening elements may also be present. Incontrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connectedwith” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

A singular representation may include a plural representation unless itrepresents a definitely different meaning from the context. Terms suchas “include” or “has” are used herein and should be understood that theyare intended to indicate an existence of several components, functionsor steps, disclosed in the specification, and it is also understood thatgreater or fewer components, functions, or steps may likewise beutilized.

Mobile terminals presented herein may be implemented using a variety ofdifferent types of terminals. Examples of such terminals includecellular phones, smart phones, user equipment, laptop computers, digitalbroadcast terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portablemultimedia players (PMPs), navigators, portable computers (PCs), slatePCs, tablet PCs, ultra-books, wearable devices (for example, smartwatches, smart glasses, head mounted displays (HMDs)), and the like.

By way of non-limiting example only, further description will be madewith reference to particular types of mobile terminals. However, suchteachings apply equally to other types of terminals, such as those typesnoted above. In addition, these teachings may also be applied tostationary terminals such as digital TV, desktop computers, and thelike.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-1C, where FIG. 1A is a block diagramof a mobile terminal in accordance with the present disclosure, andFIGS. 1B and 1C are conceptual views of one example of the mobileterminal, viewed from different directions.

The mobile terminal 100 is shown having components such as a wirelesscommunication unit 110, an input unit 120, a sensing unit 140, an outputunit 150, an interface unit 160, a memory 170, a controller 180, and apower supply unit 190. It is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement, and that greater or fewercomponents may alternatively be implemented.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, the mobile terminal 100 is shown havingwireless communication unit 110 configured with several commonlyimplemented components. For instance, the wireless communication unit110 typically includes one or more components which permit wirelesscommunication between the mobile terminal 100 and a wirelesscommunication system or network within which the mobile terminal islocated.

The wireless communication unit 110 typically includes one or moremodules which permit communications such as wireless communicationsbetween the mobile terminal 100 and a wireless communication system,communications between the mobile terminal 100 and another mobileterminal, communications between the mobile terminal 100 and an externalserver. Further, the wireless communication unit 110 typically includesone or more modules which connect the mobile terminal 100 to one or morenetworks.

To facilitate such communications, the wireless communication unit 110includes one or more of a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobilecommunication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short-rangecommunication module 114, and a location information module 115.

The input unit 120 includes a camera 121 for obtaining images or video,a microphone 122, which is one type of audio input device for inputtingan audio signal, and a user input unit 123 (for example, a touch key, apush key, a mechanical key, a soft key, and the like) for allowing auser to input information. Data (for example, audio, video, image, andthe like) is obtained by the input unit 120 and may be analyzed andprocessed by controller 180 according to device parameters, usercommands, and combinations thereof.

The sensing unit 140 is typically implemented using one or more sensorsconfigured to sense internal information of the mobile terminal, thesurrounding environment of the mobile terminal, user information, andthe like. For example, in FIG. 1A, the sensing unit 140 is shown havinga proximity sensor 141 and an illumination sensor 142.

If desired, the sensing unit 140 may alternatively or additionallyinclude other types of sensors or devices, such as a touch sensor, anacceleration sensor, a magnetic sensor, a G-sensor, a gyroscope sensor,a motion sensor, an RGB sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a finger scansensor, a ultrasonic sensor, an optical sensor (for example, camera121), a microphone 122, a battery gauge, an environment sensor (forexample, a barometer, a hygrometer, a thermometer, a radiation detectionsensor, a thermal sensor, and a gas sensor, among others), and achemical sensor (for example, an electronic nose, a health care sensor,a biometric sensor, and the like), to name a few. The mobile terminal100 may be configured to utilize information obtained from sensing unit140, and in particular, information obtained from one or more sensors ofthe sensing unit 140, and combinations thereof.

The output unit 150 is typically configured to output various types ofinformation, such as audio, video, tactile output, and the like. Theoutput unit 150 is shown having a display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, a haptic module 153, and an optical output module 154. Thedisplay unit 151 may have an inter-layered structure or an integratedstructure with a touch sensor in order to facilitate a touch screen. Thetouch screen may provide an output interface between the mobile terminal100 and a user, as well as function as the user input unit 123 whichprovides an input interface between the mobile terminal 100 and theuser.

The interface unit 160 serves as an interface with various types ofexternal devices that can be coupled to the mobile terminal 100. Theinterface unit 160, for example, may include any of wired or wirelessports, external power supply ports, wired or wireless data ports, memorycard ports, ports for connecting a device having an identificationmodule, audio input/output (I/O) ports, video I/O ports, earphone ports,and the like. In some cases, the mobile terminal 100 may performassorted control functions associated with a connected external device,in response to the external device being connected to the interface unit160.

The memory 170 is typically implemented to store data to support variousfunctions or features of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, thememory 170 may be configured to store application programs executed inthe mobile terminal 100, data or instructions for operations of themobile terminal 100, and the like. Some of these application programsmay be downloaded from an external server via wireless communication.Other application programs may be installed within the mobile terminal100 at time of manufacturing or shipping, which is typically the casefor basic functions of the mobile terminal 100 (for example, receiving acall, placing a call, receiving a message, sending a message, and thelike). It is common for application programs to be stored in the memory170, installed in the mobile terminal 100, and executed by thecontroller 180 to perform an operation (or function) for the mobileterminal 100.

The controller 180 typically functions to control overall operation ofthe mobile terminal 100, in addition to the operations associated withthe application programs.

The controller 180 may provide or process information or functionsappropriate for a user by processing signals, data, information and thelike, which are input or output by the various components depicted inFIG. 1A, or activating application programs stored in the memory 170. Asone example, the controller 180 controls some or all of the componentsillustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C according to the execution of an applicationprogram that have been stored in the memory 170.

The power supply unit 190 can be configured to receive external power orprovide internal power in order to supply appropriate power required foroperating elements and components included in the mobile terminal 100.The power supply unit 190 may include a battery, and the battery may beconfigured to be embedded in the terminal body, or configured to bedetachable from the terminal body.

Referring now to FIGS. 1B and 1C, the mobile terminal 100 is describedwith reference to a bar-type terminal body. However, the mobile terminal100 may alternatively be implemented in any of a variety of differentconfigurations. Examples of such configurations include watch-type,clip-type, glasses-type, or as a folder-type, flip-type, slide-type,swing-type, and swivel-type in which two and more bodies are combinedwith each other in a relatively movable manner, and combinationsthereof. Discussion herein will often relate to a particular type ofmobile terminal (for example, bar-type, watch-type, glasses-type, andthe like). However, such teachings with regard to a particular type ofmobile terminal will generally apply to other types of mobile terminalsas well.

The mobile terminal 100 will generally include a case (for example,frame, housing, cover, and the like) forming the appearance of theterminal. In this embodiment, the case is formed using a front case 101and a rear case 102. Various electronic components are incorporated intoa space formed between the front case 101 and the rear case 102. Atleast one middle case may be additionally positioned between the frontcase 101 and the rear case 102.

The display unit 151 is shown located on the front side of the terminalbody to output information. As illustrated, a window 151 a of thedisplay unit 151 may be mounted to the front case 101 to form the frontsurface of the terminal body together with the front case 101.

In some embodiments, electronic components may also be mounted to therear case 102. Examples of such electronic components include adetachable battery 191, an identification module, a memory card, and thelike. Rear cover 103 is shown covering the electronic components, andthis cover may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102. Therefore,when the rear cover 103 is detached from the rear case 102, theelectronic components mounted to the rear case 102 are externallyexposed.

As illustrated, when the rear cover 103 is coupled to the rear case 102,a side surface of the rear case 102 is partially exposed. In some cases,upon the coupling, the rear case 102 may also be completely shielded bythe rear cover 103. In some embodiments, the rear cover 103 may includean opening for externally exposing a camera 121 b or an audio outputmodule 152 b.

The cases 101, 102, 103 may be formed by injection-molding syntheticresin or may be formed of a metal, for example, stainless steel (STS),aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), or the like.

As an alternative to the example in which the plurality of cases form aninner space for accommodating components, the mobile terminal 100 may beconfigured such that one case forms the inner space. In this example, amobile terminal 100 having a uni-body is formed in such a manner thatsynthetic resin or metal extends from a side surface to a rear surface.

In case of using metal, a function using an electromagnetic wave such aswireless communication or wireless charging is likely to be affected andresults in deterioration of such a function. Accordingly, anon-conductive case formed of a non-conductive case made of anon-conducive material, for example, synthetic resin may be partiallyarranged to secure the function likely to be affected by metal. Some ofthe metal cases divided by the non-conductive case may be used as aradiator.

The non-conductive material partially used in the case may make anexterior appearance of the housing look divide, which is likely todeteriorate a design quality. Accordingly, there are increasing needsfor a design configured to minimize an area of the non-conductive casemade of a non-conductive material.

If desired, the mobile terminal 100 may include a waterproofing unit(not shown) for preventing introduction of water into the terminal body.For example, the waterproofing unit may include a waterproofing memberwhich is located between the window 151 a and the front case 101,between the front case 101 and the rear case 102, or between the rearcase 102 and the rear cover 103, to hermetically seal an inner spacewhen those cases are coupled.

FIGS. 1B and 1C depict certain components as arranged on the mobileterminal.

It is to be understood that alternative arrangements are possible andwithin the teachings of the instant disclosure. Some components may beomitted or rearranged. For example, the first manipulation unit 123 amay be located on another surface of the terminal body, and the secondaudio output module 152 b may be located on the side surface of theterminal body.

The display unit 151 is generally configured to output informationprocessed in the mobile terminal 100. For example, the display unit 151may display execution screen information of an application programexecuting at the mobile terminal 100 or user interface (UI) and graphicuser interface (GUI) information in response to the execution screeninformation.

The display unit 151 outputs information processed in the mobileterminal 100. The display unit 151 may be implemented using one or moresuitable display devices. Examples of such suitable display devicesinclude a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquidcrystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), aflexible display, a 3-dimensional (3D) display, an e-ink display, andcombinations thereof.

The display unit 151 may be implemented using two display devices, whichcan implement the same or different display technology. For instance, aplurality of the display units 151 may be arranged on one side, eitherspaced apart from each other, or these devices may be integrated, orthese devices may be arranged on different surfaces.

The display unit 151 may also include a touch sensor which senses atouch input received at the display unit. When a touch is input to thedisplay unit 151, the touch sensor may be configured to sense this touchand the controller 180, for example, may generate a control command orother signal corresponding to the touch. The content which is input inthe touching manner may be a text or numerical value, or a menu itemwhich can be indicated or designated in various modes.

The touch sensor may be configured in a form of a film having a touchpattern, disposed between the window 151 a and a display on a rearsurface of the window 151 a, or a metal wire which is patterned directlyon the rear surface of the window 151 a. Alternatively, the touch sensormay be integrally formed with the display. For example, the touch sensormay be disposed on a substrate of the display or within the display.

The display unit 151 may also form a touch screen together with thetouch sensor. Here, the touch screen may serve as the user input unit123 (see FIG. 1A). Therefore, the touch screen may replace at least someof the functions of the first manipulation unit 123 a.

The first audio output module 152 a may be implemented in the form of aspeaker to output voice audio, alarm sounds, multimedia audioreproduction, and the like.

The window 151 a of the display unit 151 will typically include anaperture to permit audio generated by the first audio output module 152a to pass. One alternative is to allow audio to be released along anassembly gap between the structural bodies (for example, a gap betweenthe window 151 a and the front case 101). In this case, a holeindependently formed to output audio sounds may not be seen or isotherwise hidden in terms of appearance, thereby further simplifying theappearance and manufacturing of the mobile terminal 100.

The optical output module 154 can be configured to output light forindicating an event generation. Examples of such events include amessage reception, a call signal reception, a missed call, an alarm, aschedule notice, an email reception, information reception through anapplication, and the like. When a user has checked a generated event,the controller can control the optical output unit 154 to stop the lightoutput.

The first camera 121 a can process image frames such as still or movingimages obtained by the image sensor in a capture mode or a video callmode. The processed image frames can then be displayed on the displayunit 151 or stored in the memory 170.

The first and second manipulation unit 123 a are examples of the userinput unit 123, which may be manipulated by a user to provide input tothe mobile terminal 100. The first and second manipulation unit 123 amay also be commonly referred to as a manipulating portion, and mayemploy any tactile method that allows the user to perform manipulationsuch as touch, push, scroll, or the like. The first and secondmanipulation unit 123 a may also employ any non-tactile method thatallows the user to perform manipulation such as proximity touch,hovering, or the like.

FIG. 1B illustrates the first manipulation unit 123 a as a touch key,but possible alternatives include a mechanical key, a push key, a touchkey, and combinations thereof.

Input received at the first and second manipulation unit 123 a may beused in various ways. For example, the first manipulation unit 123 a maybe used by the user to provide an input to a menu, home key, cancel,search, or the like, and the second manipulation unit may be used by theuser to provide an input to control a volume level being output from thefirst or second audio output modules 152 a, to switch to a touchrecognition mode of the display unit 151, or the like.

Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 1C the rear case 102 located in a rearsurface of the mobile terminal includes a plurality of metal cases 1021and one or more non-conductive cases. A first metal case 1021, 1022,1023 is arranged apart a preset distance from a second metal case 1022and a non-conductive case is formed between the first and second metalcases 1021 and 1022 by injection-molding a non-conductive material, forexample, synthetic resin.

To reduce the quality degradation of the exterior design by using thenon-conductive case as mentioned above, the color of the non-conductivecase is similar to the color of the metal cases 1021, 1022 and 1023. Thedistance spaced between the first and second metal cases 1021 and 1022is uniform and a slit with a preset width is formed, such that thenon-conductive case 1025 may be located in the slit. The slit as thespace between the first metal case 1021 and the second metal case 1022is filled with a non-metallic material (in other words, a non-conductivematerial) which is an injection mold, only to form the non-conductivecase 1025.

In the process of forming the non-conductive case 1025, an extendedportion may be further provided to cover inner surfaces of the first andsecond cases 1021 and 1022.

The first metal case 1021 and the second metal case 1022 may be arrangedin a vertical direction with respect to the mobile terminal. The slitand the non-conductive case 1025 may be extended in a horizontaldirection with respect to the mobile terminal.

If three or more metal cases 1021 are provided, a first metal case 1021is arranged in a middle portion and a second metal case 1022 is arrangedin an upper portion and a third metal case is arranged in a lowerportion. Then, a first non-conductive case 1025 is arranged between thefirst metal case 1021 and the second metal case 1022 and a secondnon-conductive case 1026 is arranged between the first metal case 1021and the third metal case 1023.

As another example of the user input unit 123, a rear input unit (notshown) may be located on the rear surface of the terminal body. The rearinput unit can be manipulated by a user to provide input to the mobileterminal 100. The input may be used in a variety of different ways. Forexample, the rear input unit may be used by the user to provide an inputfor power on/off, start, end, scroll, control volume level being outputfrom the first or second audio output modules 152 a or 152 b, switch toa touch recognition mode of the display unit 151, and the like. The rearinput unit may be configured to permit touch input, a push input, orcombinations thereof.

The rear input unit may be located to overlap the display unit 151 ofthe front side in a thickness direction of the terminal body. As oneexample, the rear input unit may be located on an upper end portion ofthe rear side of the terminal body such that a user can easilymanipulate it using a forefinger when the user grabs the terminal bodywith one hand. Alternatively, the rear input unit can be positioned atmost any location of the rear side of the terminal body.

Embodiments that include the rear input unit may implement some or allof the functionality of the first manipulation unit 123 a in the rearinput unit. As such, in situations where the first manipulation unit 123a is omitted from the front side, the display unit 151 can have a largerscreen.

As a further alternative, the mobile terminal 100 may include a fingerscan sensor which scans a user's fingerprint. The controller 180 canthen use fingerprint information sensed by the finger scan sensor aspart of an authentication procedure. The finger scan sensor may also beinstalled in the display unit 151 or implemented in the user input unit123.

The microphone 122 is shown located at an end of the mobile terminal100, but other locations are possible. If desired, multiple microphonesmay be implemented, with such an arrangement permitting the receiving ofstereo sounds

The interface unit 160 may serve as a path allowing the mobile terminal100 to interface with external devices. For example, the interface unit160 may include one or more of a connection terminal for connecting toanother device (for example, an earphone, an external speaker, or thelike), a port for near field communication (for example, an InfraredData Association (IrDA) port, a Bluetooth port, a wireless LAN port, andthe like), or a power supply terminal for supplying power to the mobileterminal 100. The interface unit 160 may be implemented in the form of asocket for accommodating an external card, such as SubscriberIdentification Module (SIM), User Identity Module (UIM), or a memorycard for information storage.

The second camera 121 b is shown located at the rear side of theterminal body and includes an image capturing direction that issubstantially opposite to the image capturing direction of the firstcamera unit 121 a. If desired, second camera 121 b may alternatively belocated at other locations, or made to be moveable, in order to have adifferent image capturing direction from that which is shown.

The second camera 121 b can include a plurality of lenses arranged alongat least one line. The plurality of lenses may also be arranged in amatrix configuration. The cameras may be referred to as an “arraycamera.” When the second camera 121 b is implemented as an array camera,images may be captured in various manners using the plurality of lensesand images with better qualities.

As shown in FIG. 1C, a flash 124 is shown adjacent to the second camera121 b. When an image of a subject is captured with the camera 121 b, theflash 124 may illuminate the subject.

The second audio output module can be located on the terminal body. Thesecond audio output module may implement stereophonic sound functions inconjunction with the first audio output module 152 a, and may be alsoused for implementing a speaker phone mode for call communication.

At least one antenna for wireless communication may be located on theterminal body. The antenna may be installed in the terminal body orformed by the case. For example, an antenna which configures a part ofthe broadcast receiving module 111 may be retractable into the terminalbody. Alternatively, an antenna may be formed using a film attached toan inner surface of the rear cover 103, or a case that includes aconductive material.

A power supply unit 190 for supplying power to the mobile terminal 100may include a battery 191, which is mounted in the terminal body ordetachably coupled to an outside of the terminal body.

The battery 191 may receive power via a power source cable connected tothe interface unit 160. Also, the battery 191 can be recharged in awireless manner using a wireless charger. Wireless charging may beimplemented by magnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance.

The magnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance allows a batteryrecharged while electric currents flow in a power receiving coilarranged in an area of the magnetic field which is formed by electriccurrents flowing in a power supplying coil. In other words, the batteryis recharged using induced electricity in a manner of electromagneticresonance. The electromagnetic resonance uses low frequency band signalsand the frequency band currently used is according to two standards.

According to WPC standard, a frequency band from 110 kHz to 205 kHz isused. According to PMA standard, a frequency band from 118 kHz to 357kHz.

Such the electromagnetic resonance has an advantage of good chargingperformance. While, it has a disadvantage of charging failure iflocation relation between the electric power supplying coil and theelectric power receiving coil which is important in the magneticinduction or electromagnetic resonance is out of joint or distant fromeach other.

FIG. 2 is a diagram to describe wireless charging which is implementedby magnetic induction or electromagnetic resonance for the mobileterminal in accordance with the present disclosure. The electromagneticresonance is the technique configured to recharge a battery in a mannerof generating a magnetic field vibrating in an electric power supplyingcoil at a resonance frequency and transmitting an electric power only toan electric power receiving coil deigned for the same resonancefrequency.

In the drawing, a left portion is an electric power supply module. Inthe left electric power supply module there are provided an electricpower supplying coil (TX Loop) configured to receive the electric powerand to allow electric currents flow therein and a transmitter (TXAntenna) configured to allow electric currents to flow therein when theelectric currents flow in the coil and to radiate an electromagneticwave corresponding to the resonance frequency.

In the drawing, a left portion is an electric power receiving module. Inthe electric power receiving module there are provided a receiver (RXAntenna)

When currents flow in the electric power receiver having a resonancefrequency which is equal to the resonance frequency of the transmitter(TX Antenna) provided in the electric power supplying module and awireless charging coil (RX Loop) configured to allow electric currentsto flow when electric currents flow in the receiver (RX Antenna) so asto recharge the battery. The transmitter and receiver configured totransmit an electric power using signals at the same resonance frequencyare referred to as a resonator.

The resonator (the transmitter (TX Antenna) and the receiver (RXAntenna) includes a matching circuit for matching resonance frequencies.The matching circuit has one or more capacitors to adjust impedances ofthe transmitter (TX Antenna) and the receiver (RX Antenna).

The electromagnetic resonance means phenomenon in that amplitude ofvibration of the frequency generated outside becomes broader while anobject having a natural frequency equal to the generated frequencyvibrates together. Resonators having the same natural frequency aremounted in a charger and a device designed to be recharged in thecharger, to use the electromagnetic resonance. The amplitude ofvibration gets broader by using the resonators and the charging mannerusing the electromagnetic resonance has an advantage that charging isable to be performed in long distance.

An exemplary standard of the electromagnetic resonance is A4WP whichuses a frequency band at 7.68 MHz The electromagnetic resonance may havedifferent functions according to the location of the resonator. In caseof using the metal case 1021, there is a disadvantage of resonanceperformance deterioration.

The rear cover 103 is shown coupled to the rear case 102 for shieldingthe battery 191, to prevent separation of the battery 191, and toprotect the battery 191 from an external impact or from foreignmaterial. When the battery 191 is detachable from the terminal body, therear case 103 may be detachably coupled to the rear case 102.

An accessory for protecting an appearance or assisting or extending thefunctions of the mobile terminal 100 can also be provided on the mobileterminal 100. As one example of an accessory, a cover or pouch forcovering or accommodating at least one surface of the mobile terminal100 may be provided. The cover or pouch may cooperate with the displayunit 151 to extend the function of the mobile terminal 100. Anotherexample of the accessory is a touch pen for assisting or extending atouch input to a touch screen.

FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram illustrating a coil 210 in accordancewith the present disclosure. In case of using the electromagneticresonance, a resonator 230 configured to resonate with a resonancefrequency of an electric power transmitting device and a wirelesscharging coil 210 configured to allow electric currents to flow thereinby electric currents flowing in the resonator 230.

The resonator 230 is arranged in an area overlapped with thenon-conductive case 1025, in other words, an area covered by thenon-conductive case 1025. Also, the resonator 230 may be extended in ahorizontal direction with respect to the appearance of thenon-conductive case 1025.

Meanwhile, the wireless charging coil 210 is not directly affected byexternal electromagnetic waves but transmitted electric currents via theresonator 230. Accordingly, the wireless charging coil 210 may bearranged in the area hidden by the first metal case 1021. A pair ofresonators 230 may be provided and the pair of the resonators 230 has tobe impedance-matched with the resonance frequency transmitted by theelectric power transmitting device.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective diagram illustrating both ends of thecoil 210 in accordance with the present disclosure. The resonator 230 isconnected to the main board 185 or the first metal case 1021 (see (a) ofFIG. 4), and it includes a matching circuit 235 (see (b) of FIG. 4). Thematching circuit 230 has a capacitor having a preset capacitance forimpedance matching.

The resonator 230 may have a preset impedance value, so that acapacitive reactance and an inductive reactance may be determinedaccording to the frequency. The capacitive reactance and the inductivereactance may determine an overall reactance value.

When the resonator 230 is connected to the first metal case 1021, thefirst metal case 1021 as it is may be functioned to receive resonancefrequency and the wireless charging performance may be improved. Whenthe resonator 230 is connected to a ground of the main board 185, theground of the main board 185 is connected to the first metal case 1021.When the main board 185 is electrically insulated from the first metalcase 1021, the resonator 230 is connected to the first metal case 1021.

FIG. 5 is a diagram to describe wireless charging performance of thecoil 210 in accordance with the present disclosure and showsS-parameter. (a) of FIG. 5 shows wireless charging efficiency when noresonators 230 are provided and (b) of FIG. 5 shows wireless chargingefficiency when the resonators 230 are provided.

S-parameter refers to a circuit result value used in RF and means aratio of an input voltage to an output voltage on frequencydistribution. S11 refers to Reflection Coefficient which means a valueoutput by reflecting an input signal. It means that as the reflectedvalues is getting smaller, the transmitted electric power becomeslarger. In other words, as S11 has a small value or located in a lowerarea on the graph, it can be understood that wireless chargingperformance is more efficient.

S21 refers to Transmission Coefficient which means transmissionefficiency of the energy or electric power transmitted by an externalelectric power supplying device. As the transmitted ratio becomeslarger, transmission efficiency becomes higher. As S21 has a largervalue or located in an upper area on the graph, transmission efficiencygets higher.

FIG. 5 shows a stiff peak in a specific frequency area. An area having asharply variable value is a resonance frequency. The lengths andthicknesses of the matching circuit 235 and the resonators 230 may beadjusted to form a stiff peak in a wireless charging frequency band.

FIGS. 6 through to 9 are conceptual diagrams illustrating diverseexample of the coil 210 and the resonators 230. As a basic example, onecoil 210 and one resonance 230 are provided as shown in FIG. 3. Thenumber of the coil 210 and the resonator 230 is changed to embody notonly wireless charging but also an antenna for short range wirelesstechniques such as NFC.

When a plurality of coils and a plurality of resonators are provided,the terms of first, second, etc. may be used to distinguish the coilsand the resonators from each other. One example shown in FIG. 6 shows apair of coils 210 and a pair of resonators 230. A first coil 210 is acoil for wireless charging as mentioned in the example of FIG. 3 andarranged in a position corresponding to the first metal case 1021. Thecorresponding position to the first metal case 1021 means the positionin which the first metal case 1021 is overlapped with the first coil210, viewed from the rear surface of the mobile terminal shown in FIG.6.

In this instance, a first resonator 230 is arranged in a positioncorresponding to the non-conductive case 1025 such that the firstresonator 230 may not be overlapped with the first or second metal case1021 or 1022. In the example, a second coil 220 is further providedwhich is arranged in the second metal case 1022. It is not necessarythat the second coil 220 should be arranged in the second metal case1022. Alternatively, the second coil 220 may be arranged in the firstmetal case 1021 together with the first coil as shown in FIG. 8.

When the first coil 210 is used for wireless charging, the second coil220 is used for short range wireless communication. A resonancefrequency of an electromagnetic wave the first coil 210 receives is 7.68MHz and a resonance frequency of an electromagnetic wave the second coil220 receives is 13 MHz. As the resonance frequencies are different fromeach other, a matching circuit 235 for the resonator related to theoperation of the first coil 210 is different from the other matchingcircuit for the other resonator related to the operation of the secondcoil 220, such that the resonators may have different impedances,respectively.

Accordingly, the pair of the resonators may be arranged in the positionscorresponding to the non-conductive case as shown in FIG. 6. The firstresonator includes a first matching circuit 235 corresponding to thefrequency of 7.68 MHz and the second resonator 240 includes a secondmatching circuit 245 corresponding to the frequency of 13 MHz.

Both of the first and second resonators 230 and 240 may be connected tothe first metal case 1021. As an alternative example, one of the firstand second resonators 230 and 240 may be connected to the first metalcase 1021 and the other may be connected to the second metal case. Asanother alternative example, both of the resonators 230 and 240 may beconnected to the main board 185. In this instance, the first metal case1021 is substantially large and the two resonators 230, 240 connected tothe first metal case 1021 may improve electromagnetic wave receptionefficiency.

As a further alternative example, one resonator shown in FIG. 7 may beprovided and the resonator may be used as the resonator for the firstcoil 210 and converted as the resonator for the second coil 220. Thefirst resonator 230 shown in FIG. 7 includes a switch 238 selectivelyconnected to a first matching circuit 235 or a third matching circuit236. When the first coil 210 operates, the first resonator 230 isconnected to the first matching circuit 235. When the second coil 220operates, the first resonator 230 is connected to the third matchingcircuit 236.

The first resonator 230 connected to the third matching circuit 236 hasa preset resonance frequency which is equal to a resonance frequency ofthe second resonance 240 connected to a second matching circuit 245.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, the first metal case 1021 includes threemetal cases, a first non-conductive case 1025 arranged between a firstmetal case 1021 and a second metal case 1022 and a second non-conductivecase 1026 arranged between the first metal case 1021 and a third metalcase 1023. The first resonator 230 may be arranged in a positioncorresponding to the first non-conductive case 1025 and the secondresonator 240 may be arranged in a position corresponding to the secondnon-conductive case 1026.

The positions of the first and second resonators 230 and 240 and thepositions of the first and second coils 210 and 220 may be changed. Asan alternative example, not a coil type in which the center of the firstcoil 210 is equal to the center of the second coil 220, the first coil210 may be arranged adjacent to the first resonator 230 and the secondcoil 220 may be arranged adjacent to the second resonator 240.

In FIG. 9, the first coil 210 and the second coil 220 are provided. Thefirst and second resonators 230 and 240 are arranged in the positionscorresponding to the first non-conductive case 1025.

The first resonator 230 is connected to the first matching circuit 235and configured to resonate with a first frequency so as to operate thefirst coil 210. While, the second resonator 240 includes a switch 238selectively connected to a fourth matching circuit 246 or a secondmatching circuit 245. When the second coil 220 operates, the secondresonator 240 is connected to the second matching circuit 245. When thefirst coil 210 operates, the second resonator 240 is connected to thefourth matching circuit 246.

The second resonator 240 connected to the fourth matching circuit 246has a preset resonance which is equal to a resonance frequency of thefirst resonator 230 connected to the first matching circuit 235.

In other words, both of the first and second resonators 230 and 240 areused to enhance charging efficiency of the first coil 210. Especially,when connected to the fourth matching circuit 246, the second resonator240 is connected to the second metal case 1022 and the second metal case1022 is also functioned to improve resonance performance together withthe first metal case 1021.

As mentioned above, the examples of the mobile terminal in accordancewith the present disclosure may enhance performance of the wirelesscommunication unit and wireless charging performance, without designchange of the housing having the metal case.

The foregoing embodiments are merely exemplary and are not to beconsidered as limiting the present disclosure. The present teachings canbe readily applied to other types of methods and apparatuses. Thisdescription is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scopeof the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods,and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described hereinmay be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternativeexemplary embodiments.

As the present features may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be considered broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fallwithin the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metesand bounds, are therefore intended to be embraced by the appendedclaims.

1. A mobile terminal comprising: a housing comprising a first metal case, a second metal case, and a first non-conductive case that is located between the first metal case and the second metal case; a battery located in the housing; a first coil located in the housing and located at an area covered by the first metal case; a main board comprising a charging module configured to recharge the battery using electric current that flows in the first coil; and a first resonator located at an area covered by the first non-conductive case and comprising a first matching circuit corresponding to a first frequency.
 2. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein: the first metal case and the second metal case are positioned to form a slit therebetween; the first non-conductive case is located in the slit; and the first resonator is extended along the slit.
 3. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein both ends of the first resonator are connected to the first metal case.
 4. The mobile terminal of claim 3, wherein the main board is electrically insulated from the first metal case.
 5. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein: the main board comprises a ground electrically connected to the first metal case; and at least one end of the first resonator is connected to the main board.
 6. The mobile terminal of claim 1, further comprising: a second coil located in the housing and configured to perform short range wireless communication using a signal having a second frequency.
 7. The mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein the second coil is located at a position corresponding to the second metal case.
 8. The mobile terminal of claim 6, further comprising: a second resonator located at an area covered by the first non-conductive case, the second resonator comprising a second matching circuit corresponding to the second frequency.
 9. The mobile terminal of claim 8, wherein: the second resonator further comprises a third matching circuit corresponding to the first frequency; and the mobile terminal further comprises a controller configured to cause the second resonator to be: connected to the second matching circuit to perform the short range wireless communication; and connected to the third matching circuit to recharge the battery.
 10. The mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein the first resonator further comprises: a second matching circuit corresponding to the second frequency; and a switch configured to be selectively connected to the first matching circuit or the second matching circuit, wherein the mobile terminal further comprises a controller configured to cause the switch to: connect the first resonator to the first matching circuit to recharge the battery; and connect the first resonator to the second matching circuit to perform the short range wireless communication.
 11. The mobile terminal of claim 10, further comprising: a second resonator located at an area covered by the first non-conductive case and comprising a third matching circuit corresponding to the second frequency, wherein: the second resonator further comprises a switch configured to be selectively connected to the first metal case or the second metal case; and the mobile terminal further comprises a controller configured to cause the second resonator to be: connected to the first metal case to perform the short range wireless communication; and connected to the second resonator to recharge the battery.
 12. The mobile terminal of claim 6, wherein: the second metal case is located at a first area of the first metal case; the first coil and the second coil are located at a position corresponding to the first metal case; and the mobile terminal further comprises: a third metal case located at a second area of the first metal case; a second non-conductive case located between the first metal case and the third metal case; and a second resonator located at a position corresponding to the second non-conductive case.
 13. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first matching circuit comprises one or more capacitors.
 14. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first metal case, the second metal case, and the first non-conductive case form a first case of the housing that is coupled to a second case of the housing.
 15. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein the first case is a rear case and the second case is a front case.
 16. The mobile terminal of claim 1, wherein a length of the first metal case and a length of the second metal case are different. 